Causes (2)
- Dust mite allergy
- Pet allergy
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Asthma in children: Creating an asthma action plan
Prevention (2)
- Asthma: Limit asthma attacks caused by colds or flu
- Children and exercise-induced asthma: Playing sports safely
Tests and diagnosis (1)
- Spirometry
Treatments and drugs (3)
- Asthma in children under 5
- Treating asthma in children ages 5 to 11
- Treating asthma in children ages 12 and older
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continued:
Children and exercise-induced asthma: Playing sports safely
Competition: Use a treatment plan to stay on track
A combination of high-endurance sports and competitiveness can be dangerous for children with asthma. Younger children tend to slow down their activity level when they feel discomfort. Older children are more likely to push themselves to perform even when having asthma symptoms. This is usually because they want recognition or find satisfaction in competing on the same level as their peers.
Following a treatment plan is the key to good asthma control. It's especially important if your child is competitive. Using a treatment plan will help you and your child monitor asthma symptoms and make adjustments as needed. Better control of asthma may result in better athletic performance — as well as fewer flare-ups and less danger of a serious asthma attack. Involving your child in the decision-making process makes it more likely that he or she will follow the plan.
Keep preventive tips in mind
In addition to controlling symptoms with medication, be sure your child follows these practical tips to avoid flare-ups:
- Always warm up and cool down. Help your child make it a habit to spend 15 minutes warming up before more intense physical activity, and to do another 15 minutes of cool-down after exercise. While it's a good recommendation for all athletes, warm-ups and cool-downs are especially important for those with asthma.
- Pay attention to environmental conditions. Cold temperatures, poor air quality and high concentrations of pollen in the air make conditions right for an asthma attack. If possible, encourage your child to stay indoors during these times. When the weather is cold, your child may be able to control symptoms by wearing a scarf or mask to warm the air before it enters the lungs.
- Exercise only when healthy. Asthma attacks are more likely during or immediately after a cold or other respiratory infection. Have your child wait a few days after cold symptoms subside before resuming physical activity.
- Use a peak flow meter to monitor airflow. A peak flow meter is a hand-held tool that monitors how well your child's lungs are working from day to day. With the help of your child's doctor, you first determine your child's average peak flow reading. A drop in the reading may indicate an increase in airway inflammation, even when your child feels fine. A low peak flow reading prompts you and your child to take extra precautions that day to prevent an attack.
Involve your child's school nurse, teachers and coaches
Because teachers, coaches and other caregivers may have different levels of education on asthma, it's important that they know exactly what to do if your child needs help. Make copies of your child's asthma action plan and give them to your child's caregivers, and be sure to regularly communicate the importance of knowing the plan and having it accessible in case of an attack. This important tool helps ensure that you, your child and other caregivers all follow the same plan if action needs to be taken. Talk to your child's coaches so that they're aware how serious asthma can be — and can better judge your child's needs and abilities.
With the help of your child's doctor, revise the plan regularly. Your child's symptoms or treatment needs may change based on different seasons, sports and age.
Asthma and sports can be a winning combination
Children with asthma can participate in sports. In fact, your child's condition may improve with regular physical activity. First, have an asthma action plan in place. Second, communicate regularly with your child's teachers and coaches. These and other practical steps allow your child to enjoy sports in an environment that keeps him or her safe.
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